When the ancient Polynesians invented surfing, they often used a paddle to help them navigate. Fast-forward a few millennia, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding, or SUP, finds itself trendy again. Part of its increasing popularity is that standing upright allows surfers to spot waves more easily and thus catch more of them, multiplying the fun factor. Paddling back to the wave becomes less of a strain as well. The ability to cruise along on flat inland water, surveying the sights, is another advantage. Finally, its a good core workout. If youre sold on the idea, schedule an intro SUP lesson, free with board and paddle rental, and you may find yourself riding the waves like a Polynesian king.More

Many of us remember coming home from our elementary schools with freshly glazed pinchpots, cups, or whatever else our young imaginations could conjure up. Saturday mornings at the Randall Museum can bring that memory back, or create a new one for the youngsters. Ceramics make great gifts — especially on Mothers' and Fathers' Day. Hop on board for the Randall's once-weekly class, and for $6 and two weeks to have your work fired and glazed, you'll have all the materials you need.More

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In 2013, when Catharine Clark moved her eponymous gallery from 49 Geary to the Potrero Hill area, she gave herself more room to work with, including a dedicated media space that has shown indelible work by such artists as Shalo P ("The Bedroom Suite"), Nina Katchadourian ("In a Room Full of Strangers"), and Andy Diaz Hope and Jon Bernson ("Beautification Machines").

There's no secret to helping you focus better — unless you count Adderall — but studies have shown that listening to music before or while performing a task can improve attention, memory, and even your ability to perform mental math.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Hey, DJ! / Q&A
Zombie Disco Squad on Starting a Cantonese Rap Band and His Love for Prince

Full of house, tech-house, and elements of nu-disco, the first full-length release from Nat "Zombie Disco Squad" Self, Brains, is probably not the soundtrack you'd imagine accompanying a zombie invasion. It sounds like it would better suit a night out with your friends in a seedy European club. As the Made to Play label's only full-length release this year, Brains features tracks with ghetto-tech talent DJ Funk and British soul vocalist Omar, and will soon be followed by a remix EP employing the talents of Eli Escobar, label-head Jesse Rose, and more. We recently spoke with Zombie Disco Squad about tour life, going solo, and why he loves Prince. He headlines Monarch this Friday for Lights Down Low, with support from Nick Monaco and local residents Joaquin Barta, Richie Panic, and Sleazemore.

We heard some weird things happened last time you played S.F. Are you excited to be back again?

Last time I was in S.F. I had a crazy time -- I'm not going to go into details, but I still have a pretty decent scar. I'm really excited to be back! I love the city!

You started out making an EP that turned into the first full Zombie Disco Squad full-length. How did that evolve into Brains?

I started writing ideas, and after I had five or six down, I saw that with a bit of work, well actually quite a lot, I had a long player on my hands. I got into a lot of coffee and didn't sleep for ages and Brains was the outcome.

Was it more liberating to make a full-length versus an EP?

Yes and no. No, because with a EP you just write a couple of tracks and it's a job done. Writing an album takes much, much, longer and is much more long-winded. There are loads of songs that didn't make the final cut. Yes, because it allows you the freedom to try things you wouldn't normally do and it's really satisfying when you finish it.

What was it like working so closely with Made to Play chief Jesse Rose on it?

It was cool. We are both quite firm in our thoughts and feelings, so on the final edits there were definitely some debates.

What track on the album pushed the boundaries of your creativity furthest?

Ooof -- hard question. I would have to say "Righteous Sound." It was really hard getting the vocals right and it was the first time I have worked with a singer.

You're also creating a remix EP for the album. Can you tell us a little about that and which artists might be on it?

So far the list is Shadow Child, Monkey Safari, Sasha Robotti, Mercury, Wildkats, Daniel Dexter, Eli Escobar, and oh, Jesse Rose. I'm really happy with how all the mixes have turned out! There will also be some extra tracks that didn't go on the album.

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Sub Pop recording artists 'clipping.' brought their brand of noise-driven experimental hip hop to the closing night of 2016's San Francisco Electronic Music Fest this past Sunday. The packed Brava Theater hosted an initially seated crowd that ended the night jumping and dancing against the front of the stage. The trio performed a set focused on their recently released Sci-Fi Horror concept album, 'Splendor & Misery', then delved into their dancier and more aggressive back catalogue, and recent single 'Wriggle'.
Opening performances included local experimental electronic duo 'Tujurikkuja' and computer music artist 'Madalyn Merkey.'"